Violet Oakley (1874-1961)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Artist famed for her murals in Pennsylvania's State Capitol, reflecting Penn's ideals of justice & peace. Also noted for her work in stained glass; book & magazine illustrations. One of three women artists who moved in 1906 to "Cogslea," she lived & worked here until 1961.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Painter Violet Oakley won national acclaim for the murals she created for Pennsylvania's State Capitol, works that celebrated William Penn's ideals of justice and peace. She was also gifted in stained glass and illustration, and in 1906 she moved with two other women artists to "Cogslea," where she lived and worked until 1961. Her long career unfolded during an era when women were breaking into professional artistic circles.
Why it matters
Oakley was the first American woman to receive a major public mural commission, a landmark achievement for women in the fine arts.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it â museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia7.4 mi away ¡ 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center7.5 mi away ¡ 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center7.6 mi away ¡ 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House7.6 mi away ¡ 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center7.7 mi away ¡ 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphia7.7 mi away ¡ 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir4.9 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge5.4 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo5.6 mi away
- Rocky Steps6.2 mi away
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle6.2 mi away
- American Bandstand6.6 mi away
Food & drink
- Burger King7.6 mi away
- Independence Mall Cafe7.6 mi away ¡ 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Dunkin'7.6 mi away ¡ 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters7.6 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory7.6 mi away
- Time & Peace7.6 mi away ¡ 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia7.1 mi away ¡ 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center7.1 mi away ¡ 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia7.2 mi away ¡ 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA7.3 mi away ¡ 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Sleep Inn Center City7.3 mi away ¡ 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel7.3 mi away ¡ 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
Places data Š OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change â call ahead.
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Related people
- ¡ Violet Oakley
Themes & tags
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